Saccharum alopecuroides

silver plumegrass

Saccharum alopecuroides is a large, dense, robust ornamental grass. The leaf blades are reed-like, arching, 3/4" wide and 3' long or more. It has a clumping habit and produces several rigid culms, reaching a height of 9', that are topped with foot-long, silvery-white, feathery inflorescences that persist well into winter.

Cultivation

Silver plumegrass is well adapted to lean well-drained soils that are moist to dry. Overly fertile soil, or too much shade, can produce weak plants that require staking. This is a very showy species whose plume-like panicles emerge late summer and provide strong visual interest through fall and beyond. It is beautiful grown as a specimen, but due to its dense tall form can also be used effectively as a hedging plant or privacy screen. It should be cut back late winter before the new growth emerges. Zones 5-9

Propagation

Propagate from seed. No treatment is required.

Additional Notes

Saccharum alopecuroides is an excellent alternative to the over-utilized, and often invasive, introduced species of Miscanthus.